July 28, 2009
Terra To Deliver New AC.17e High Performance All-weather Loudspeaker

New model is an ideal L/C/R for residential outdoor theaters

By Gary Reber

Terra Loudspeakers will begin shipping the new AC.17e top-of-the-line model in its highly regarded AC series of all climate loudspeakers in September. The AC.17e is a three driver, two-way system featuring dual 6.5-inch ACAD™ cast frame woofers and a 1.1-inch inverted Titanium dome tweeter, housed in a dense, rotationally molded UniCavity™ polypropylene sealed enclosure. Like all Terra speakers, the system is capable of withstanding direct exposure to all types of weather and may even be installed without concern on sea-going vessels. Every component part has been designed to remain rust and corrosion free as evidenced by the company’s Limited Lifetime Warranty policy. And perhaps most unusual in this day and age, Terra manufactures its products in their Maine factory, even going so far as to hand assemble their woofers in-house to ensure optimum performance and sample to sample consistency.
The AC.17e deliver excellent fidelity with tight, tuneful bass due to its superior components, advanced acoustic design and dual 6.5-inch woofers, a new configuration for Terra. The AC.17e integrates particularly well when combined with Terra’s dynamic AC.SUB outdoor subwoofer, creating an impressive outdoor hi-fi or the basis for an exceptional all-weather home theater. All Terra speakers feature Location Balanced Sound™ incorporating built-in mid-bass boundary compensation, which means they are sonically balanced for the location in which they will generally be mounted. In addition, since these types of speakers are usually listened to off-axis and at lower volume levels, particular attention has been paid to providing smooth yet detailed and extended HF response with excellent dispersion.
Unique technical features include Terra’s ACAD Anodized Ceramic Aluminum Diaphragms which make for very light, stiff and responsive weather-proof cones. Also featured is the company’s unusual Magnetic Fluid Centering System (MCFS™) which eliminates the typical woofer “spider” and its associated limitations. The spider has been replaced with specially developed magnetic fluid that provides the centering force required by the driver while delivering lower distortion and reduced dynamic restriction of the cones’ motion. Additionally, MCFS helps cool the drivers’ voice coil thus enhancing its power handling and dramatically reducing thermal compression*.
The smoothly rounded UniCavity housing eliminates unwanted diffraction effects of high frequencies while providing an acoustically inert enclosure. Its three available colors (Black, White, Green), and attractive shape mean the AC.17e will visually blend well in any setting. All AC models, are available with gold flashed 5-way binding posts (standard), an optional water-tight “pigtail” lead or a marine grade, water-proof Conxall™ connector. Additionally, they may be ordered with a built-in 70V transformer and power selector switch for large scale or commercial installations, while remaining all-climate capable.




Tags: - equipment - - Terra Loudspeakers - - AC.17e - - outdoor all-weather loudspeaker - - AC.SUB -